Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum | Biloxi

The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi is a cultural cornerstone of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the region’s long-standing ties to the sea. Originally founded in 1986 and later rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina’s destruction in 2005, the museum showcases the traditions, skills, and resilience of coastal communities whose lives revolve around the Gulf waters.

Focus and Mission

The museum’s mission is to tell the story of the Gulf Coast’s maritime heritage and its seafood industry, which has sustained generations of families. It highlights the labor, craftsmanship, and cultural traditions of shrimpers, oyster harvesters, boatbuilders, and fishermen. Beyond industry, the museum emphasizes how the sea shaped the daily life, festivals, and cultural identity of Biloxi and surrounding towns.

Exhibits and Collections

The museum houses more than 20,000 square feet of exhibits, combining historical artifacts with interactive displays. Highlights include:

Historic Boats: Restored vessels such as the Biloxi schooners Glenn L. Swetman and Mike Sekul illustrate the craftsmanship of 19th- and early 20th-century boatbuilding.

Seafood Industry History: Tools, photographs, and machinery trace the evolution of shrimping, oystering, and crabbing, industries that made Biloxi famous as the “Seafood Capital of the World.”

Hurricane History: Multimedia exhibits recount the devastation of storms like Camille and Katrina, emphasizing community resilience.

Cultural Traditions: Displays explore festivals, cooking, and folkways tied to maritime life, including the Blessing of the Fleet and seafood-centric cuisine.

Interactive areas allow visitors to watch videos of fishermen at work, hear oral histories, and learn about modern marine science alongside traditional practices.

Boatbuilding Program

One of the museum’s most distinctive features is its hands-on boatbuilding program. Skilled craftsmen demonstrate traditional techniques of wooden boat construction, continuing a Gulf Coast heritage passed down through generations. Visitors can watch boats being constructed and sometimes even participate in workshops, providing a living connection between past and present.

Educational Programs

The museum offers extensive educational initiatives, including summer camps, school tours, and public lectures. Its Sea and Sail Adventure Camp introduces children to sailing, marine ecology, and coastal traditions. These programs keep the museum lively and ensure younger generations appreciate the heritage of Gulf communities.

Visitor Experience

A walk through the museum feels immersive-visitors hear the sounds of shipyards, glimpse the lives of fishermen, and sense the rhythm of life built around tides and harvests. Large panoramic windows provide views of the nearby Gulf, reinforcing the connection between exhibits and the environment outside. Many guests describe the museum as both informative and deeply moving, especially in its depictions of families rebuilding after hurricanes.

Atmosphere and Significance

The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum is more than a historical institution; it is a celebration of cultural resilience. It preserves the artistry of boatbuilding, the taste of Gulf seafood traditions, and the stories of communities whose livelihoods have always been tied to the sea. The blend of history, craftsmanship, and human stories makes it one of Biloxi’s most meaningful attractions.

Visiting the museum offers both a practical understanding of the seafood industry and a heartfelt appreciation for the people who built their lives along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, weathering both prosperity and hardship with determination.